BALTIMORE – At their annual fall Plenary Assembly, the bishops of the United States held a canonical consultation on the cause of beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Michelle Duppong, lay woman.

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, facilitated the discussion by the bishops. By a voice vote, the bishops expressed support for the advancement of the cause of beatification and canonization on the diocesan level.

A brief biography of Michelle Duppong was provided by the Diocese of Bismarck:

Michelle Christine Duppong was born on January 25, 1984, to Ken and Mary Ann Duppong. At the age of one, her family moved from Colorado to a farm in Haymarsh, North Dakota. Michelle cherished the small country church of Saint Clement’s located near their home and, as an adult, she frequently made trips there to visit her Beloved Lord Jesus.

After graduating from Glen Ullin High School in 2002, Michelle attended North Dakota State University. During her years of education there, she continued to grow in her faith and spiritual life, which especially blossomed through the ministry of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) at Saint Paul’s Newman Center. After completing her degree in horticulture in 2006, Michelle’s desire to bring others closer to the Lord was realized by becoming a missionary with FOCUS, whose mission is to help young people on college campuses grow in their relationship with Jesus and His Church. During her six years with FOCUS, she mentored hundreds of students at the campuses of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, and the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Michelle knew how deeply the Lord wishes to have a relationship with every person and she was filled with joy to play even the smallest part in opening a person’s heart to receive Him.

In 2012, Michelle discerned that God was calling her to a new evangelization ministry, and she became the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Bismarck. Serving the Church in this role, she coordinated many significant events such as the THIRST Conference and performed outreach to parishes within the diocese using her talents and missionary zeal to lead other souls to Christ.

On December 29, 2014, Michelle was diagnosed with cancer and battled the disease with perseverance and a patient, cheerful spirit. Throughout the course of her illness, Michelle exemplified an unwavering trust in God, fidelity to the Church, and was widely known by those who knew her for her patient suffering, fidelity to prayer, and Christian charity. Michelle passed from this life on December 25, 2015, at the age of 31. Her widespread reputation of holiness of life continues to serve as an inspiration and example of Christ-like goodness to many.

On June 15, 2022, Bishop Kagan announced his intention to formally open the diocesan phase of investigation into the life of Michelle Duppong.

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